Closure device



July 1, 195s B. GOODMAN 2,841,213

CLOSURE DEVICE Filed Aug. 2 3, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l HG. z. 2. ,4 a n 2ol. l l l, la"

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'ay 'K2/ W B. GOODMAN CLOSURE DEVICE July l, 1958 2 Sheets-Shea?l 2Filed Aug. 23, 1954 INVENTOR.

United bitates Patent f cresima DEVICE Bayar Goodman, Los Angeles,Calif., assgnor to Wilshire Manllifacturing Company, Los Angeles,Calif., a partners p Application August 23, 1954, Serial No. 451,413

Claims. (Cl. Idil- 118) This invention relates to a closure device andmore particularly to a closure device utilized to open and close thearea of a portable fireplace screen.

In prior fireplace screens, the opening is covered with wire mesh whichis normally extended across the front end of the screen and is gatheredat the sides of the screen to permit access to the interior of thelireplace. This wire screen in closed position obstructs the view of thefire and yet permits sparks and soot to enter the living quarters. Bythe present invention, a closure device is provided in which two panelsmove relative to each other to provide the closure for any opening.These panels are arranged so that a lower panel is moved downwardly andan upper panel is moved upwardly by a linkage which prevents binding ofthe panels during movement. When the invention is utilized in connectionwith a fireplace screen, the panels can be formed of tempered glass orother suitable transparent material. A top stationary panel ispositioned at the top ot the screen frame so that the upper paneloverlaps this stationary panel when the upper panel is moved to openposition. Also, a stationary base panel is positioned below the lowerpanel so that the lower panel overlaps the base panel when the lowerpanel is moved to open position. The closure means is particularlyadapted for use in connection with portable fireplace screens since thelinkage mechanism can lbe carried by the frame of the screen andsupported independently of the replace structure.

It is understood that the closure device of this invention can beutilized as a closure for any opening and can be supported either by thestructure forming the opening or by an independent frame. Also, thepanels can be constructed of any suitable material which is eitheropaque or transparent. A fireplace screen incorporating the inventionhas advantages over prior devices utilizing wire mesh as the closure inthat the lire can be clearly viewed through the glass panels when inclosed position and thereis no damage from sparks and soot entering theroom. Also, with the closure in closed position, cold air is preventedfrom entering the room from the replace when the fireplace is not inuse. Since the fireplace screen can be portable, additional supportingmeans, such as supports permanently attached to the fireplace itself,are not needed in order to` place the screen in use and the screen caneasily be removed from in front of the replace for the purpose ofrepairing and cleaning the fireplace. The linkage mechanism utilized inthe invention provides for counterbalancing the two movable panels byconnecting the tops of the panels together so that the weight of thelower panel aids in raising the upper panel. Also, the bottoms of thetwo movable panels are connected together so that panels will moverelative to their supporting frame without binding.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a closuredevice for moving two panels away 2,841,218 Patented July 1, 1958 ice `from each other while guiding the movement of the panels.

Another object of the invention is to provide a closure device in whichthe movable elements are connected together to counterbalance eachother.

Another object of the invention is to provide a portable fireplacescreen having movable transparent panels which do not obstruct the viewand which are easily moved apart.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a portablefireplace screen having movable panels which are connected together bysecuring the tops of the panels together and the bottoms of the panelstogether in such a manner that panels are easily moved relative to eachother.

These, and other objects of the invention, not specifically set forthabove, will become readily apparent from the accompanying descriptionand drawings in which:

Figure 1- is Ia. front elevational view of a fireplace screenincorporating the novel closure device of the invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical section along line 2-2 of Figure 1 illustratingthe supporting legs for the iireplace screen and the relationship of thevario-us panels in closed position.

Figure 3 is a horizontal section along line 3-3 of Figure 2 showing themanner in which the operating handle is connected to the upper movablepanel.

Figure 4 is a horizontal section along line 4 4 of Figure 2 showing thepulley positioned at one corner of the supporting frame for receivingthe linkage mechanism.

Figure 5 is an elevational view of a section of the back of the replacescreen taken along lines 5 5 of Figure 2 'and illustrating the channelsupport for the movable panels.

Figure 6 is a vertical section along line 6-6 of Figure 5 showing themanner in which the upper and lower panels are supported in closedposition.

Figure 7 is a vertical section along line '7 7 of Figure l illustratingthe construction of the bottom stationary panel and the guide for thecross-over wires of the linkage mechanism.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the back side of the screenillustrating the panels and linkage mechanism in closed position.

Figure 9 is a perspective view similar to Figure 8 showing the panelsand linkage mechanism in open position.

Referring to the form of the invention chosen for illustration in Figurel, the irescreen 1t) has a frame 11 consisting of upright angle members12 and i3 and a top angle member 14 having its vertical side overlappingthe front surface of members l2 and i3 and secured thereto by rivets 15.An angle iron 16 is secured to the top side of member 14 by rivets 1.7and to the side surface of member 12 by rivet 18. A similar angle iron(not shown) is secured in a like manner at the opposite top corner tomembers 13 and 14 by rivets 20 and 2l, respectively, so that the twoangle irons serve to rigidly tie the frame members together at the top.p

A pair of angle irons 22 and 23 are positioned at the bottom of theframe and are secured to the side surface of upright members 12 and 13,respectively, by bolts 2li in order to provide a bottom support for theframe 1i. The bottom stationary panel 2S extends across the bottom ofthe frame and has its opposite ends positioned between the front surfaceof members 12 and 13 and the sides of angle irons 22 and 23 respectivelyin order to hold the panel in place. An angle surface 26 of the panelextends across the front of the frame and rests upon the horizontal legsof angle irons 22 and 23. The bottom panel 2S is composed of a centersection 27 and top and bottom sections 28 and 29, respectively, whichare joined to the center section along vseams 36 and 31 respectively,formed by bent edges of the sections. A number of openings 32 areprovided in the center section 27 to permit air to pass through thescreen. Legs 33 and 34 are secured to the bottom front surfaces ofmembers 12 and 13, respectively, by brazing or otherwise and a pair ofrear braces 35 and 36 are secured at one end to angle irons 22 and 23,respectively. The other end of each brace carries a screw 37 which canbe adjusted so that the legs and braces will maintain the screen invertical position.

Referring now to the support for the transparent panels, a channelmember 38 (only one of which is shown) is supported at each side of thescreen by members 12; and 13 and by top and bottom brackets 39 and 40secured to each 4member by rivets 4l. it is understood that the channelmembers are constructed exactly the sameV so that the description of onewill apply to the other. Each channel member 38 has a first channel 42extending almost the full height of the screen and a second channel 43secured to the upper part of the lfirst channel toward the front of thescreen. A top stationary panel 44'of heat treated glass has one endreceived by cachot the channels 42 and is supported in the top part oteach channel 42 on stops 45 positioned within the channels. Thus, thetop stationary panel 44 and the bottomV stationary panel 25 deline theopening of the screen.

An upper movable panel `46, likewise constructed of heat treated glass,has its opposite ends received in channels 43 and is supported in itslowermost position on stops 47 within channels 43. In this position, theupper edge of panel 46 just overlaps the lower edge of stationary panel44. A lower movable panel 48, also constructed of heat treated glass,has its opposite ends received in channels 42 and is normally held inthe uppermost position with its upper edge overlapping the lower edge ofpanel 46 and its lower edge overlapping the upper edge of section 28 ofpanel 2S. Thus, it is apparent that movable panels 46 and 48 togetherwith stationary panels 44 and 25 are capable of completely closing thefront of the fireplace screen 10.

The linkage mechanism by which the movable panels' are moved from closedposition to open position and by which thc weights of the panels arecounterbalanced will now be described. Each endV of panel 46 carries asling member comprised of straps 49 and 50 which pass on opposite sidesof the panel and are secured together at their ends. In a like manner,each end of panel 48 carries a sling member comprised of straps 51 and52 secured together in the same manner as straps 49 and Si).

Pulleys 53 and S4 are supported at opposite top corner at one end of theframe with the top of panel 48 at the 1 same end of the frame byconnecting with the sling members over pulley 53 while a second chain 59connects the two panels at the other end of the frame over pulley 54 inthe sam-e manner. Another chain 69 connccts the bottoni of panel 48 atone end of the frame with the bottom of panel 46 at the other end of theframe by connecting with the corresponding sling members over pulleys SSand S6. Also, a chain 6l connects the bottom of panel 48 with the bottomof panel 46 over pulleys 57 and 54st by connecting with the slingmembers at the opposite end of each panel from those with which chain6l? connects. Since the panels 46 and 48 are offset from each otherbecause of being mounted in offset channels 43 and 42 respectively, itis necessary for chains 60 and 61 to cross over each other and for thisreason, it is desirable to utilize an intermediate wire link 62 in chain60 and an intermediate wire link 63 in chain 61, the intermediate linksbeing hooked to the chains or otherwise secured. In order to `supportlinks 62 and 63 and provide smooth relative movement, a U-shaped bracket64 is secured in the center of section 29 of the bottom sta tionarypanel 25 and receives both of the wire links. A member 65 is connectedwith strap 59 at one end of panel 46 by means of rivets 66 and carries apost 67 which projects through a slot 68 in the side surface of member12. Knob 69 is secured to post 67 and can be manually moved up and downinto the full line or dashed line position illustrated in Figure 5 inorder to open and close thel lireplace screen.

The operation of the closure device will now be described. Referring toFigureV 8, the closure device is shown in closed position with panel 46in its lowermost position and panel 48 in its uppermost position. It isapparent that the lower panel 43 is held in position by the weight ofpanel 46 since the upper edges of both panels are connected together.This result is obtained since both of the panels are ot about equal sizeand weight, and, of course, some friction is provided by the linkageconnecting the tops of the panels which will prevent movement if somedifference in weight of panels is present. Because of the counterbalancebetween panels 46 and 48, the knob 69 can be raised with a minimum ofexertion in order to move the panel into open position as illustrated inFigure 9 and, of course, only minimum exertion is required to return theknob to closed position because of this counterbalance. Referring toFigure 9, the panel 46 has moved upward to cover top stationary panel 44and panel 48 has moved downward behind bottom stationary panel 25. Thus,an opening is provided in the screen 10 for access to the interior ofthe lireplace.

Because of the manner in which the lower surfaces of panels 46 and 48are connected together, the panels will move in channels 42 and 43without binding and will remain parallel to each other. For instance, ifthe handle end of panel 46 is raised, this movement will be transmittedthrough chain 61 to one end of panel 48 and then to the opposite end ofpanel 46 through chain 59 in order to move this opposite end with thehandle end. Upward movement of the opposite end of panel 46 will movethe end of panel 4S connected to chain 60 downward so that the ends ofpanel 48 will also move together. Of course, the same action resultswhen handle 69 is lowered so that the panels will move together inparallel relationship. It is understood that a handle 69 could besecured at the center of panel 46 and thus replace knob 69. v

As previously described, the panels 44, 46, and 48 are constructed ofheat treated or tempered glass which does not weaken when subjected tohigh temperature and which will not break easily when struck with hardobjects, such as fireplace tools. The use of glass for these panelspermits the interior of the replace to be observed when the panels arein closed position and the panels also protect against soot, smoke andsparks from the fireplace since the panels can completely close off thefront of the fireplace. The cover panel 25 is preferably formed of somesuitable metal sheet so that it can form a structural member of theframe and can contain the openings 32 which provide the draft for thefireplace. By providing the frame 11 with legs, the frame can be held inupright position without attach.- ment to the fireplace itself so thatthe fireplace screen of this invention can be easily installed andremoved.

Of course, when tending to the lire it is only necessary to open andclose the panels 46 and 48 in order to have sucient access to theinterior of the lireplace.

By the present invention. a novel portable fireplace screen is providedwhich incorporates a novel closure device completely supported by thescreen itself. It is understood that the closure device and associatedlinkage mechanism can be utilized for various other closures in additionto fireplace screens and that any suitable material, either opaque ortransparent, can be used for any of the panels of the closure device.Also, it is not necessary that the linkage mechanism be connected to theupper and lower edges at the ends of the movable panels since the sameresult can be obtained by connecting with the panels at other positionsby means of any suitable attachment. Various other modifications arecontemplated by those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter dened by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. A closure device comprising a frame having panel mounting means, apair of panels supported by said mounting means for guided movement insubstantially parallel oiset planes, a linkage means for causing saidpanels to move in unison in opposite directions comprising a pair ofpulley means located above the opposite ends of said panels, a linktrained around each of said pulleys and connecting the samecorresponding ends of said panels, pulley means located below the endsof each of said panels, and a second pair of links connecting oppositeends of diierent panels and trained around the second mentioned pulleymeans whereby said panels will be caused to move in unison in oppositedirections without binding in said frame, said frame having a slotformed adjacent said panel mounting means substantially parallel withthe path of movement of one of said panels, and rigid means fixed withsaid one panel and protruding through said slot for effecting movementof said panels in unison.

2. A closure device as defined in claim 1 further characterized by saidmovable panels being movable from a closed overlapping position whereinthe opening of said frame is closed to an open position wherein theframe opening is defined by the space between said panels.

3. The closure device deined in claim 2 further characterized by saidlinks being in the form of flexible chains.

4. A iireplace screen comprising a frame having top and bottom offsetstationary panels and upper and lower movable panels, guide means forguiding said movable panels to move in parallel offset relationship,said movable panels being positioned adjacent each other in overlappingrelationship in closed position, and said lower panel being movable inthe plane of saidttop panel, linkage means for causing movement of saidupper panel upwardly and said lower panel downwardly in unison in offsetrelationship with respect to said top and bottom panels so as to providean opening between said movable panels, said linkage means comprising apair of pulley means located above the opposite ends of said topstationary panel chains connecting the same corresponding ends of saidmovable panels and trained around their respective pulley, a pair ofdouble pulleys located below the ends of said movable panels, and chainsfor connecting the opposite ends of different movable panels and trainedaround their respective pulleys for effecting movement of said movablepanels in unison in opposite directionsv and without binding in saidguiding means, said frame having a slot formed adjacent said guide meanssubstantially parallel with the path of movement of one of said movablepanels, and rigid means fixed with said one movable panel and protrudingthrough said slot for effecting movement of said movable panels inunison.

5. A fireplace screen as dened in claim 4 wherein said upper and lowermovable panels are constructed of tempered glass to permit observationthrough said screen.

References Cited in the lite of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS796,448 Potthoff Aug. 8, 1905 935,577 Beatty Sept. 28, 1909 2,398,240Merryweather et al Apr. 9, 1946 2,682,305 Kozlowski lune 29, 1954

